Lost flock feared rustled from West Coast property

Farmers on South Australia's West Coast have been advised to keep an eye out for rustlers after nearly 2500 sheep were reported missing from a property.

The sheep were last seen during an aerial search in the Yumbarra Conservation Reserve in August but have not returned to nearby watering points on the property on the Eyre Highway, about 60 kilometres west of Penong.

Police say it is not known if the animals have been stolen.

They say the property owner had inspected and secured a gate on Christmas Eve, but found it had been cut using wire cutters when he returned on Boxing Day.

Fresh tracks at the gate show a vehicle and trailer have recently been in the area but it is not yet known if stock is missing from that yard.